I highly recommend these great family board games, and I think they are essential purchases

1. Games
2. Board Games

I highly recommend these great family board games, and I think they are essential purchases News By Benjamin Abbott published 1 December 2025

Many have had a major price cut, too

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Future/Katie Wickens)

Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it's nearly time to break out some family board games. Don't think you'll need to slog through yet another session of Monopoly, though; there are many better options weighing down shelves right now, and if you try them, you won't have to worry about dusty old-timers like Clue or Risk again.

I've been reviewing and reporting on board games for the better part of a decade at this point, so I have more than my fair share of recommendations to help you cast off Holiday season boredom. If you ask me, these family board games are some of the best board games overall... and there should be something here to suit everyone, no matter their skill or experience level.

Plenty of them are on offer for Cyber Monday, too, and that means you can score a bargain if you're quick. Just remember to hurry; the sale ends at midnight, so you're fast running out of time to secure these must-have family board games.

Read moreRead less▼

Herd Mentality | $24.99 $15.99 at AmazonSave $9 - Of all the party games in my collection, this is the one I always recommend for families. It's quick, very easy to understand, and no-one is put on the spot. That means anyone who doesn't like the pressure of trivia games can rest easy; the whole point is to go with the crowd, not to stand out. While that discount isn't a record low price, it is still very good value for what you're getting here. It'll prove a big hit at Christmas.Buy it if:✅ You want an easy-going, accessible party game✅ You'll be playing with lots of peopleDon't buy it if:❌ You want a more strategic gamePrice check: 💲 Walmart | $26.01UK price: £19.99 £14.99 at Amazon (with voucher)

View DealRead moreRead less▼

Everdell | $75 $59.98 at AmazonSave $15 - Want something a little more involved? This excellent but still family-friendly strategy game is a real winner, particularly at this time of year when all you want to do is get cozy with a hot mug of something and a good game. As noted in our Everdell review, it provides gentle but rock-solid strategy that everyone can really dig into. Oh, and it's cute as a button... Buy it if:✅ You want an accessible strategy game✅ You adore the cute-n-cozy vibeDon't buy it if:❌ You'd prefer a party gamePrice check: 💲 Amazon | $79.99UK price: £45 £34.29 at Magic Madhouse

View DealRead moreRead less▼

Kingdomino | $24.99 $14.99 at AmazonSave $10 - Of all the accolades in the world of board games, there's one that stands in higher regard than any other; the Spiel des Jahres, or game of the year awards. Kingdomino won the 2017 awards, and that tells you a lot about its quality. This one is a tile-laying game where you've got to connect terrain tiles to build your kingdom, but the twist is that you've got two sections to match and connect.Buy it if:✅ You love thoughtful matching games✅ You like easy and breezy gamesDon't buy it if:❌ You aren't a fan of tile-laying gamesPrice check: 💲 Walmart | $14.99UK price: £21.99 £14.49 at Zatu Games

View DealRead moreRead less▼

Heat: Pedal to the Metal | $74.99 $37.50 at AmazonSave $37.49 - It says a lot about a board game when the community can't stop talking about it, and I am always hearing great things about this racing game. This white-knuckle racer is a dash to the finish line, but you've got to make sure you don't push your car too hard and overheat. How well can you balance risk vs. reward? You'll find out soon enough. Particularly if you make use of the tournament system...Buy it if:✅ You love strategy games✅ You want something you can keep coming back toDon't buy it if:❌ You want something lighterPrice check: 💲 Walmart | $99.98UK price: £62.49 £44.49 at Amazon

View DealRead moreRead less▼

Catan (2025 edition) | $54.99 $27.50 at WalmartSave $27.49 - If there's one game I think everyone needs to try, it's this one. As noted in our (very positive) Catan review, it's the perfect 'gateway' game for those who are new to the hobby, or anyone hoping to try something a little more complex than Monopoly or Clue this year. Although this one was slightly cheaper last week for the Black Friday sale, it's still excellent value as is. That's because the average cost is between $45 and $48.Buy it if:✅ You want an accessible strategy game✅ You'd like a family-friendly gameDon't buy it if:❌ You want something a bit deeperPrice check: 💲 Amazon | $29.99UK price: £49.99 £22.49 at Waterstones

View DealRead moreRead less▼

Ticket to Ride (2025 edition) | $54.99 $27.50 at WalmartSave $27 - If you ask me, Ticket to Ride might just be one of the greatest family games ever made. Indeed, that's why I gave it such a high score in my Ticket to Ride review; its laid-back strategy is the kind of thing you can get your teeth into, but isn't overly competitive. With that in mind, getting the refreshed 2025 version for a whole lot less is going to catch my eye. Don't sleep on this one if you're keen to get something new you can play with your family for Christmas!Buy it if:✅ You like more relaxed games✅ You enjoy light strategyDon't buy it if:❌ Ugh, trainsPrice check: 💲 Amazon | $29.99UK price: £44.99 £38.23 at Amazon

View Deal

• See all board game deals at Amazon
• Trekking the National Parks - $49.95 $39.96 at Amazon
• Disney Villainous - $39.99 $29.99 at Amazon

For more recommendations, don't miss my guides to the best family board games and the best card games.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Tabletop Gaming Benjamin AbbottSocial Links NavigationTabletop & Merch Editor

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more I review board games for a living, and I think these ones need to be on everyone's shelf for the Holidays    Which board games should you buy on Black Friday?    Best Black Friday board game deals 2025, from new favorites to beloved classics    The 6 best family board games for 2025, chosen and reviewed by experts    7 of my favorite Halloween board games have been slashed in price for Prime Day    The best board games 2025, with over 25 recommendations tested, reviewed, and rated by experts    Latest in Board Games Warhammer Quest: Darkwater feels leaner, meaner, and a lot of fun, so I hope fans can actually get their hands on it this time    Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point    I review board games for a living, and I think these ones need to be on everyone's shelf for the Holidays    I was on the fence about buying the Skyrim board game, but this Lightning deal is really worth watching    This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving    "Absolutely incredible" and "so unsettling": Warhammer fans have strong opinions on 2025 World Championship reveals    Latest in News Five Nights at Freddy's 2 star Josh Hutcherson says the sequel is "top secret" but promises "double the amount of animatronics," "more jump scares," and an "exciting twist"    Minecraft lead says "I'm looking forward to Hytale" personally, but tells curious fans "there are many Minecraft-like games, so I doubt it will change much for us"    Dispatch maker AdHoc says the episodic business model is "an insane thing to do," immediately after selling 2 million copies through the episodic business model    Veteran Metal Gear Solid producer says "given our age" it was now or never for an MGS3 remake: "Because it's such an incredible series, I decided that now was the time"    Fallout star explains that season 2 will address the "different perspectives" of New Vegas' multiple endings: "It's a really beautiful thing"    The US government "nearly shut us down," former GTA lead says: "They decided we were the only people on the internet peddling pornography, apparently"    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Marvel Cosmic Invasion review: "Excellent '90s-tinged superhero brawling across a punchy campaign falls just short of arcade bliss"
2. 2Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
3. 3Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
4. 4Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
5. 5This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving

1. 1Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
2. 2Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
3. 3The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
4. 4Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
5. 5Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"

1. 1Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
2. 2Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
3. 3The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
4. 4IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
5. 5Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"